Warwickshire Restaurant Guide

2019 Review: “A great terrace and riverside setting” is the crown jewel feature of this riverside eatery, on the banks of the Avon. Char-grilled steaks are the headline attractions of an “enjoyable” modern bistro menu.

“Fantastic views” over the Warwickshire countryside (and a famous battleground from the English Civil War) from an “interesting building” are an immediate draw at this cosy, picture-book castle – a pub since 1822 and built 100 years earlier. Service is “friendly” and the “competent” gastropub menu majors in a selection of steaks and burgers.

Brum’s popular Thai mini-chain established this Stratford spin-off three years ago, and its consistent food rating is in line with its siblings. “Charming staff” also received a particular thumbs up last year.

Occupying “a beautiful old building” – one of Stratford’s oldest – this beamed venue remains most often nominated as “a fantastic place for pre-theatre dinner: consistent quality with a great-value set menu”.

Cosy, modernised pub, near Stratford-upon-Avon, that’s consistently well-rated (if on limited feedback) for its ‘Contemporary Cotswolds’ cooking: traditional pub dishes like chicken ’n’ chips, complemented by slightly more ambitious seasonal items.

2018 Review: This “pleasant gastropub” (part of the CD Pub Co) occupies a thatched property not far from Leamington Spa, and serves a well-rated menu rated from traditional pub grub to a selection of dry-aged steaks.

“Imaginative and excellent-value pre/post-theatre menus” (as well as more relaxed dining options for those giving Shakespeare a miss), are to be had at chef/owner Wayne Thomson’s highly rated town-centre venue, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this summer.

2019 Review: Just around the corner from the RSC, this long-serving bistro with “Tudor-type” decor is “THE place to eat in Stratford if you’re going to the theatre – they put you through with speed (but don’t make you feel hassled)”, the food is “reliable (if not exciting)”, while “staff are helpful (but not obsequious)”. “What more does anyone want before a dollop of Shakespeare?”

“One of the better pre-theatre places in Stratford” – this smart, two-floor, former clothes shop is barely a three-minute walk from the RSC. Even a reporter who felt the food was “nothing special” says “everything turned out well for a pleasant evening”.